Robert Estrin - piano expert

Is Classical Music Relaxing?

Discover the truth behind this question

In this video, Robert explains how classical music can be more than just relaxing.

Released on January 15, 2020

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DISCLAIMER: The views and the opinions expressed in this video are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Virtual Sheet Music and its employees.

Video Transcription

Hi, Robert Estrin here at LivingPianos.com with a question for you. Is classical music relaxing? I can't tell you how many times I talk to somebody and say, "Oh, do you listen to classical music, or do you like classical music?" And people say, "Oh, I love classical music. It's so relaxing." And while I respect that, and there certainly are pieces that are relaxing like Clair de Lune.

Now, when you hear a piece like that, it's like, "Oh, my gosh, yes, that's relaxing." But you know what? That is just one side of the spectrum of emotions that classical music explores. You certainly wouldn't consider Scriabin Etude in D-sharp minor from the Opus eight to be relaxing. That's anything but relaxing.

And then there's music that humorous. That's a middle movement of the 0pus 10 Number three, or am I confusing it with the Pastoral Sonata. Anyway, you get the idea that there's a tremendous range of emotions in classical music, and if you think that it's just relaxing, you're missing the whole point. Just like literature isn't all relaxing, some of it is agitating, some of it can be profound, enlightening. There's a whole range of emotions that classical music and other styles of music explore.

So is classical music relaxing? The real answer is sometimes, but not always. It's not meant to be relaxing except sometimes like the Moonlight Sonata, the first movement of the Moonlight, or something of that nature. All right, thanks so much for joining me. Again, I'm Robert Estrin here at LivingPianos.com, your online piano store. You can subscribe and ring the bell for more videos, and share on your social networks and spread the good joy of piano playing and music. See you next time.
Find the original source of this video at this link: https://livingpianos.com/piano-questions/is-classical-music-relaxing/
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Comments, Questions, Requests:

Fulvia * VSM MEMBER * on January 16, 2020 @4:54 pm PST
I am the usual oddity, Clair de Lune is almost boring for me! I would rather listen to Scriabin, more entertaining!
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Robert - host, on January 22, 2020 @7:29 pm PST
The good thing is there is music for every mood!
Steve Borcich * VSM MEMBER * on January 15, 2020 @1:48 pm PST
I thought it was interesting that you played Clair de Lune. One of my favorite childhood memories of my late mother is her playing it on our baby grand piano. I still get very emotional when I hear it. I hope to be able to play it myself someday. A job well done by Mr. Estrin.
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Robert - host, on January 15, 2020 @3:56 pm PST
So glad Claire de Lune holds special meaning for you. I remember sitting in my father's recording session decades ago when he was recording this piece. So, I too have a strong connection to this piece of music.
Steve Borcich * VSM MEMBER * on January 15, 2020 @4:54 pm PST
That's ironic that Clair de Lune also holds special meaning for you. If my father Anthony C. were still alive he would be turning 97 on January 16th! He lived to be over 93 years old. I still have his old Kay acoustic archtop guitar in my house. I always think of him when I look at it.
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